X-ray Techniques  /  Powder X-Ray Diffraction (PXRD)

Powder X-Ray Diffraction

Modern powder X-ray Diffraction has a high: throughput, sensitivity to impurities, reliability, and temporal and angular resolution. Synchrotron beamlines and laboratory instruments are equipped with 1D and 2D hybrid-pixel X-ray detectors to cover a wide energy range: from 4 to 80 keV.

Collecting accurate PXRD intensities brings many challenges: reducing overlap caused by the instrument, detecting weak signals, obtaining sufficient data statistics, and collecting the full 2θ range before a sample starts changing. Photon-counting detectors answer these challenges through direct detection on small pixels or fine strips, background suppression, a wide dynamic range, a high count rate, and large active areas.

At synchrotron sources, modules of MYTHEN2 strip detectors can be arranged in various geometries to cover the desired 2θ range and collect data at a frame rate of 1 kHz and with a 24-bit dynamic range. At the same time, area detectors in the PILATUS3 and EIGER2 product families can be used even for energies as high as 100 keV. The combination of large angular coverage with a high frame rate results in an outstanding signal-to-noise ratio, even with a time resolution. It’s ideal for in-situ and time-resolved studies!

Laboratory detectors can also “Bragg”: this synchrotron-proven technology can help you make the most of your laboratory source, ranging from Ti to Ag.

  • Get higher resolution, thanks to small pixels or strips with a sharp point-spread function.
  • Take advantage of wide angular coverage with large detectors or multi-module geometries.
  • Detect even the weakest intensities next to high peaks, thanks to these detectors’ increased dynamic range.

Powder X-Ray Diffraction at Synchrotrons

  • Conduct in-situ, operando, and high-throughput studies at high X-ray energies with large CdTe-based detectors.
  • Use frame rates in range of 1 kHz for time-resolved measurements.
  • Reach extremely high resolution and fast scanning by combining a multi-analyzer crystal with a hybrid-pixel detector.

Most Frequently Used Products at Synchrotrons

Powder X-Ray Diffraction with Laboratory Diffractometers

  • Achieve fast acquisition of high-resolution data, thanks to large active areas and tiny strips or pixels.
  • Extend your 2θ coverage with additional MYTHEN2 modules.
  • Suppress low- and high-energy background with the dual-energy discrimination of EIGER2 detectors.

Most Frequently Used Products in Laboratory Diffractometers

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